You can request, in writing, to reschedule your case.
Your letter must include:
Name
Current address
Date
Case Number.
This will have to be mailed or faxed at least five (5) days before the trail date.
Magistrate Court
Civil lawsuits are filed in the Magistrate’s Court. There are two location:
Ridgeland office: 967 West Adams Street, Ridgeland, South Carolina, Phone number (843) 726-7933
Hardeeville Office: 21 Martin street, Hardeeville, South Carolina. Phone number (843) 784-2628
Civil actions include anything that is NOT criminal in nature.
Examples of civil actions:
- Eviction
- Claim and delivery
- Suits on notes
- Suits for damages
- Suits for money damages
- Mechanic’s lien
- The amount in dispute may not exceed $7,500
Frequently Asked Questions
If I cannot appear to court, what can I do?
You (as the plaintiff or defendant) MUST notify the court immediately before the court date that you are requesting a jury trial.
What do I have to bring to court?
You can bring any evidence that you have that goes along with your case and /or any witnesses that you may have.
What do I do after the suit is filed ?
The Magistrate’s Office will forward the papers to the Sheriff’s office to be served.
Papers can take up to two (2) weeks to be served
What do I need to file a civil suit against the person?
You will have to provide the court the full name of the defendant and their physical address of residence or place of employment.
This address will have to be located in Jasper County.
If it is another County you will have to file within their jurisdiction.
Can someone be arrested in a civil case?
No
What do I do if someone files a counterclaim?
A Plaintiff may Reply to a Counterclaim, but it is not a necessary pleading.
Once a Defendant has been served with a Summons and Complaint, they have a specific time period to file.
Summons and Complaint - 30 days
Evictions - 10 days
It is not recommended that you speak with a judge if you are contemplating bringing a civil action.
If the judge speaks with you, and you tell her/him about your case, the judge will not be able to hear the case because it is unfair to speak with one side without a representative of the other side present.
If you need to speak with someone about filing a civil case, you may speak with the judge’s assistant.
What is the difference between a Plaintiff and a Defendant?
Plaintiff: Person filing the suit
Defendant: Person being sued
Filing Fees
Filing fees in the Magistrate’s Court differ.
Below is a summary of some of the pertinent filing fees:
Summons and Complaint $80
Evictions $40
Claim and Delivery $65
Writ of Ejectment $10
Counterclaim $10
Subpoena of Witness $ 8
Non Service by Sheriff’s Office – Certified Mailing: $5.00
Notice to Quit the Premises: $65.00
Public Sales: $35.00
Restraining Order: No fee (The losing party will have to pay a fee of $55.00 on the day of the trial.)
Contact Us
JASPER COUNTY
MAGISTRATE COURT
Ridgeland Office: 967 West Adams Street
Ridgeland, SC 29936
Phone: 843-726-7933
Hardeeville Office: 21 Martin Street
Hardeeville, SC 29927
Phone: 843-784-2628
Office Hours:
Monday - Friday
8:00 AM - 4:00 PM